Corpus Christi City Council Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Corpus Christi City Council met on May 5, 2026, to deliberate on critical water supply proposals and financial policies. The meeting included city manager recognitions, extensive public comment, evaluation of two private water projects, and adoption of updated fiscal policies. Note: The invocation was given by Pastor Rob Bailey, differing from the agenda which listed Reverend Quincey D. Mosley.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5-20 were approved as a consent agenda with the exception of items 12, 14, 15, and 17. Item 17 (CBCOG Bylaws) was withdrawn by staff. Item 12 (heavy equipment rental agreement) was pulled and approved individually.
• Routine approvals included grant acceptances for the Fire Department, contracts for MetroCom dispatch systems and park lifeguard services, and the approval of minutes from prior meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sean Flanagan promoted a "One Nation Under God" prayer rally on May 17th.
• Brad Bartelson argued the city is seven years late in addressing the water crisis, stating delays on the Mary Rhodes pipeline contributed to reservoir levels dropping to 7%. He called for a strategic plan rather than opinion-based council votes.
• Alejandro Chavera demonstrated a fog net prototype and requested permission to install such nets along Lake Corpus Christi.
• Cecilia Sardinia expressed public distrust of the council due to conflicts of interest and mixed messaging on the water supply. She urged the council to communicate that residents should be prioritized over industry.
• Eddie Flores thanked Councilman Cantu for addressing a broken sidewalk issue.
• Julian Hernandez asserted that refineries are running out of water, not residents, and argued industry should fund desalination.
• Bruce Switala and Dale Switella advocated for the Barney Davis site for desalination. Switala requested removal of underwater trees from Lake Mathis. Switella argued Corpus Christi ratepayers should not solely pay for a plant serving regional industry.
• Ron Woods requested a pause on converting tennis courts at Al Cruz Tennis Center to pickleball, suggesting HEB Tennis Center as an alternative.
• Jason Hale reported PUC staff recommended the city recover legal ($309,000) and consulting ($144,000) costs from outside ratepayers in the ongoing water rate appeal.
• Rachel Caballero refuted Governor Abbott's claims about the "swindled" $757M in water funding. She stated that while the community conserved 34 MGD in a month, industry increased usage by 29 MGD, and criticized the $500 fine/immediate shutoff policy for residents.
• Robin Cox raised concerns about crime reporting and individuals with criminal records on city boards.
• Sean Merritt (WebEx) raised privacy concerns about medical information required for water conservation variance forms. Councilman Paxson confirmed these issues are being reviewed.
• Robert Harvey (WebEx) criticized decorum rules as unconstitutional and demanded action against Officer Martinez.

Discussion Items

• Board & Committee Appointments: Janet Fonseca and Pamela Willingham were appointed to the Ethics Commission. Stephen Gottberg was reinstated to the Marina Advisory Committee contingent on completing board training within 30 days.
• Item 14: AXE H2O Desalination Proposal: City staff presented a proposal from AXE H2O for a privately funded 150 MGD seawater desalination plant with its own natural gas power, offering $6.50/1000 gallons with CPI escalation. City Manager Peter Zanoni stated the proposal lacked sufficient detail and was not recommended. After significant debate about the city's project vetting process, the council voted to allow staff to evaluate a future business proposal.
• Item 15: Seven Seas Water Group Brackish Water Proposal: Staff presented a proposal from Seven Seas Water Group for a 10-20 MGD brackish groundwater project on the Chapman Ranch. Councilman Hernandez offered a successful substitute motion authorizing staff to negotiate a water sales agreement directly. Chris Quare, counsel for Nueces County, warned that combined groundwater projects already exceed modeled available aquifer capacity by 1,400%.
• Item 23: Financial Budgetary Policies: The council adopted amendments to the budget policy, including an aspirational goal to increase the general fund balance reserve to 25% of operating expenditures to improve the city's bond rating.
• Item 24: Debt Management Policy: The council approved the amended Debt Management Policy, updating it for changes in federal law. Councilman Hernandez expressed concerns over the lack of self-imposed debt limits.
• Item 25: Water Supply Update: CCW COO Nick Winkleman provided a comprehensive update. Western reservoir capacity was at 7.8%. The Evangeline Groundwater Project is at 60% design. Wastewater reuse projects with Valero and Flint Hills are being accelerated. The Inner Harbor desalination contract is being finalized for a June vote. CPS Energy is collaborating on the Barney Davis site. The CC Polymers/Aquatec project is 85% complete.

Key Outcomes

• Water Proposals: Council authorized staff to evaluate an AXE H2O proposal and to negotiate a water sales agreement with Seven Seas Water Group.
• Budget Policy: Aspirational goal for 25% general fund balance reserve was added and the policy was approved.
• Debt Policy: Amended and approved.
• Water Supply Update: Staff directed to improve public communication tools for water supply projects.
• Board Appointments: Fonseca, Willingham, and Gottberg appointed to their respective boards.
• Public Hearings: TIRZ #3 amendment (courthouse demolition) and FY 2026 HUD Action Plan approved.